Summer research experience for undergraduates
The Department of Computer Science & Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno offers a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) site focusing on Collaborative Human-Robot Interaction (CHRI). The site will develop new autonomous robot capabilities and supporting network and data science technology to address real-world challenges of operating autonomous systems in hospital, clinic, home, and infrastructure environments.
The University's Robotics Group is made up of faculty specializing in human-robot interaction, assistive robotics, autonomous robots, field robotics, and wireless communication and cybersecurity. The research will be supported by experienced graduate students who will help mentor undergraduate projects. The proposed site presents projects related to these computing domains and links them together through a common assistive technology goal.
Award information
- $7,000 stipend for 10 weeks
- On-campus housing provided
- Food allowance
- Round-trip travel expenses up to $800
- Total: approximately $10,000
Application and program information
We invite applicants from all academic institutions, including those without extensive research infrastructure to learn about this dynamic field. Students will gain experience with robotics, wireless networks, and assistive technology to optimize collaboration between a robot and human partner(s). Robotics and assistive technology are interdisciplinary fields, involving expertise in computer science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and biomedical engineering as well as psychology and other fields outside engineering. We welcome applicants from computer science as well as all fields of engineering, but also applicants from related fields outside of engineering such as psychology, neuroscience, anthropology, etc.
In addition to participating in a hands-on orientation week, students will also participate in workshops on how to write an application for graduate school and how to write an application for a National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship (GRF). Students will participate in a research project, prepare a written report on their project, and present to the University's undergraduate research symposium.
This Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) site is supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation (IIS-1757929, IIS-2150394).
Housing and location information
The University of Nevada, Reno is located near downtown Reno. There are numerous restaurants and stores on or adjacent to campus. Within a one-hour drive of Reno are Lake Tahoe, hundreds of mountain biking and hiking trails including the 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail, and the Truckee River, which runs from the California state line through downtown Reno, where one of country's top outdoor whitewater kayak parks is located. Reno's population enjoys an array of cultural activities, including museums, numerous theatre companies, a symphony, ballet and opera. There are several major venues for concerts, sporting events and other live performances, including Lawlor Events Center on campus and the Reno Events Center, located less than a 10-minute walk from campus.
Students will be housed in University campus housing, and the cost of housing and meal plan will be covered by the program.